1988 BMW 520 vs. 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,128 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix (173 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 69 kg more than 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Because 1988 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 520 | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3128 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
